Dear Families,
I am so excited to be working with the inaugural class of Highlander Virtual. The Highlander Virtual team has been working incredibly hard over the summer to create a virtual learning experience that will meet the needs and expectations of our students and families. As we embark on this journey together, I wanted to share some important updates and information with you. As your child’s home school principal, I will remain your point of contact for any questions or concerns that you may have.
Teacher Assignments
All students in Highlander Virtual have been assigned their teacher. You can find your child’s teacher in the PowerSchool parent portal. If you have not created a PowerSchool parent account, please visit https://bit.ly/33YqYAV. If you are having difficulties accessing the PowerSchool parent portal, please contact our main office. As the district has shared, your child’s teacher may not be from their home school; however, they are a highly qualified Howell Public Schools teacher who is certified to teach their grade.
Highlander Virtual Orientation
On Monday, August 17th, at 5:30 p.m., the Highlander Virtual team will hold an orientation to familiarize students and families with student expectations and share our learning management systems (SeeSaw for grades BK-2 and Schoology for grades 3-5),. The orientation will be held via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81163945837. This orientation will be recorded to provide access to those who cannot attend at this time.
Free and Reduced Price Meals
If your family qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, you can elect to order meal kits from the Howell Public Schools Food Service Department. Eligible families will receive breakfast and lunch for each day that school is in session. Kits will be distributed each Monday at Howell High School. For more information, or to sign up for meal kits, please visit https://bit.ly/30QeitW. If you are unsure if your family qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, please visit click here.
Technology For Highlander Virtual Students
All students in Highlander Virtual will receive a district-issued device. For students in grades BK-2, this will be an iPad, and for students in grades 3-5, this will be a Chromebook. Devices will be available for pick up at Central Office, 411 N. Highlander Way (please enter through door B2) from the following times:
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8/17, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (BK-2nd grade students)*
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8/17, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (3rd grade-5th grade students)*
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8/18, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (3rd grade-5th grade students)*
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8/18, 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (BK-2nd grade students)*
*You may use the alternate grade level’s pickup time if you are not able to attend your available assigned times. If these times do not work for your family, please let me know, and we can work together to find a time that does.
Please note, that the devices will need to be charged before your child can use it.
Again, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mr. Moore